Steel Saws and Muscle on the Hoosier

Seven new crosscut sawyers certified on the Hoosier National Forest.

Many areas of the National Forests of the United States are designated as Wilderness Areas and as such the use of mechanized and motorized equipment is prohibited. Because of this, the United States Forest Service organizes crosscut saw training of Forest Service employees in an effort to maintain skills and proficiency among those who need to use such saws. The training includes proper and safe use of the saw and axe along with wedging techniques.

The crosscut saw commonly known as the "two man saw" or "misery whip" was instrumental in the settling of the United States. Indiana in particular was a vast forest of prime hardwoods, species of hickory, ash, oak, walnut, cherry and yellow poplar were prized for furniture and building materials. Prior to the patent of the "tree felling machine" in 1929 by Andreas Stihl all timbering operations were accomplished using the crosscut saw. These two man saws were used to fall timber, clearing land for farming and homesteading, using the timber to build homes and barns, fences and bridges and as a source of income.

The Hoosier National Forest still uses the crosscut saw in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area for clearing of trails and roadways, removal and bucking of hazard trees and cleaning of wind damage.

Recently a group of seven Hoosier employees completed certification on the crosscut saw. Hazard trees were removed along with some needed clearing for construction sites in a recreation area. Sizing up and clearing the immediate area is necessary when using the crosscut saw to ensure safe and accurate falling, job skills learned by all the new certified sawyers.